On Nov. 1, Rockford police and fire personnel discovered the southeast business at 3921 11th St. was operating over capacity, without effective and approved security and with a dance floor greater than 150 square feet.

The conditions were in direct violation of the Aviator Lounge’s liquor license and resulted in an emergency suspenion of the business’ liquor license. Specific provisions of Aviator’s liquor license prohibit the existence of a dance floor greater than 150 square feet, compliance with Fire Codes and operating in compliance with the business’ security plan.

At Thursday’s hearing at City Hall, evidence was presented including an admission by the owners of the lounge that they operated the business in violation of their security plan and with a dance floor area of 1,200 square feet.

Additionally, testimony from fire personnel revealed the lounge had as many as 230 patrons, far exceeding the allowable capacity of 150 people.